Topical Bible: Judgments: should Lead to Contrition

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In the biblical narrative, judgments from God serve as a means to bring about contrition and repentance among His people. The concept of divine judgment is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's righteousness and the call for humanity to return to Him with a contrite heart.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently depicts God's judgments as a response to the disobedience and idolatry of His people. These judgments are not merely punitive but are intended to lead the people back to a state of humility and repentance. In the book of Joel, the prophet calls for repentance in light of impending judgment: "Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" (Joel 2:13). Here, the emphasis is on genuine contrition, a heartfelt turning back to God.

The account of King David provides a poignant example of judgment leading to contrition. After his sin with Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan confronts David, and God's judgment is pronounced. David's response is one of deep contrition, as expressed in Psalm 51: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). David's sincere repentance exemplifies the intended outcome of divine judgment.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the theme of judgment leading to contrition continues, with a focus on the transformative power of repentance. Jesus' teachings often highlight the necessity of repentance in response to God's judgment. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus warns of the consequences of unrepentance: "But unless you repent, you too will all perish" (Luke 13:3). This call to repentance underscores the urgency of contrition in the face of divine judgment.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the role of judgment in leading to contrition. In his letter to the Romans, he writes, "Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4). Paul emphasizes that God's judgments, coupled with His kindness, are designed to bring about a change of heart and a return to righteousness.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, judgments that lead to contrition are integral to the process of sanctification. They serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth and renewal, prompting believers to examine their lives and align themselves more closely with God's will. The contrition that follows judgment is not merely an emotional response but a transformative turning away from sin and toward God.

The prophet Isaiah captures this dynamic in his call to the people of Israel: "For thus says the High and Exalted One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite'" (Isaiah 57:15). This passage highlights the intimate relationship between God and those who respond to His judgments with a contrite heart, underscoring the restorative purpose of divine discipline.

Practical Application

In practical terms, believers are encouraged to view judgments as opportunities for self-examination and spiritual renewal. The process of contrition involves acknowledging one's sins, seeking God's forgiveness, and committing to a path of righteousness. The biblical call to contrition is a reminder of the ongoing need for humility and dependence on God's grace.

The book of James offers guidance on this process: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" (James 4:10). This exhortation encapsulates the essence of contrition in response to judgment, emphasizing the promise of restoration and exaltation for those who turn back to God with a sincere heart.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 1:4
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
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Esther 4:3
And in every province, wherever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
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Isaiah 22:12
And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:
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Library

Holy Exercises of Contrition.
... who held the rod of Thy judgments when I by sinning ... 5. My understanding, which should
have contemplated Thy beauty and ... I may be able to begin to lead a perfect ...
/.../holy exercises of contrition.htm

Article vi: of Confession and Satisfaction.
... these spectacles [such outward ceremonies] usually lead astray the ... We are speaking
of the judgments of men and ... time this hatred against you should break forth. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 16 article vi of.htm

Snares of Satan.
... The apostle exclaims, "How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ... guard against
the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually, "Lead us not ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /32 snares of satan.htm

Snares of Satan
... The apostle exclaims: "How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ... guard against
the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually: "Lead us not ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm

Confession and Penance.
... We then lead them to a place where there is ... when trembling under the apprehension
of impending judgments, he may ... in such a case, every one should act according ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iv confession and penance.htm

Repentance
... Pharaoh, when suffering under the judgments of God, acknowledged ... exclaim, "What is
sin, that it should require such a ... of the plan of salvation will lead him to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 3 repentance.htm

The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ...
... For as I said before, the judgments of God are immutable ... time to live, to amend all
faults, and lead a new ... But they should admonish them only with the word of ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the tares.htm

Carnal or Spiritual?
... Me." Dear reader, what did it all lead to? ... Yes, my life is not what it should be,
and ... pride, jealousy, envy, sharp words, unkind judgments, unforgiving thoughts ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/iii carnal or spiritual.htm

Hail, Jesus;
... Grant that I may not fear other men's judgments of me ... as it were the trophy of Thy
victory) should be fastened to ... by Thy holy help and grace, I may lead a life ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... wish that the rocks and mountains should fall upon ... smitten with the heaviest of God's
judgments"a heart ... eyes of my providence and justice: lead me therefore ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm